FIVE TIPS FOR ENJOYING STEEP TERRAIN SAFELY

Orange Rock And Steep Terrain In The Canyon Near East Coulee AB Near Drumheller

If you are an off-road enthusiast every steep hill you see presents a challenge that you are happy to accept. But sometimes those hills and rock faces seem steeper than they had when you started the climb. If you find yourself in this type of situation the following tips may help you safely make it back down.

Good Traction – Maintaining proper traction while climbing or coming down is very important in completing your journey safely. Many beginners think that speed translates into good traction, but it can actually hinder you progress. If you feel that your traction is less than what is needed it is recommended that you go back down and try a different line of attack.

Do Not Ride Your Brakes – It is a natural response to hit to the brakes when coming down a steep hill, but doing so may cause you to lose traction and your vehicle may begin to slide. A better way to slow down your vehicle is by using compression braking to slow your vehicle, this method allows you to hold back and maintain a slow and steady pace down the hill.

Properly Store Your Gear – Insuring that any extras you have brought along on your trip are properly secured in your vehicle will keep them falling out of your vehicle and possibly injuring someone who is down below.

Install A Roll Cage – If you are an avid four wheeler, you may want to permanently install a roll cage on your vehicle. These cages are designed to protect you in the case that your vehicle should happen lose traction and roll.

Maintain Visibility – If you cannot see what is on the other side of the hill you are climbing, it is highly suggested that you stop your vehicle and safely find a point that offers you a view of any obstacles that may be dangerous to you or any other vehicle that happens to be on the same path as you.

These are only a few of the many safety precautions that every four wheeler should practice. The safer you are, the safer everyone around you will be. Always be on the lookout for any obstacles on the trail that may cause an accident, avoiding these will keep you safe and allow you to explore for years to come.

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4 comments

That’s a definite yes on the roll cage! I’ve been on this particular hill and I really thought I was ready for it. Wrong! I did exactly what you said not to do with the brakes and I went into a slide, over reacted and rolled the Jeep. I walked away, shaken and shaking, but my Jeep didn’t fare so well. Insurance covered part of the cost to restore, but not all. I’m not sure about trying it again. I’m just a tad bit gun shy right now.

All super tips and right on the money. I don’t believe I’ve ever been on anything as steep as what you show here, but the tips all apply on any hill. The pitch of the hill and a rocky terrain add to the complexity of the drive.

I always thought roll bars and cages were for sissies until I saw a Jeep roll and bounce its way down the side of a mountain with no roll protection. The guy was thrown clear in the second rotation or he would surely have died. There wasn’t much left of the Jeep by the time it stopped. He didn’t walk away either. He had to be air lifted to a trauma center and he spent nearly a month there before being released. It was several months before he could walk by himself. I haven’t seen him back behind the wheel yet. That made a believer out of me and I had a cage installed. If I ever need it, I know it will be there.

I’m glad to see that you have taken the time to point out that not everyone is ready for this type of terrain. There are things that need to be considered and it’s a terrain you work up to. Nothing a beginner should be contemplating. That’s how people get hurt!